Loris Karius has faced criticism left, right and centre during the early stages of his Liverpool career, but he was the shining light in a dismal performance from the team in Wednesday night's EFL Cup semi-final first leg against Southampton.

The 23-year-old German was recently dropped from the number one spot in the Premier League, with manager Jurgen Klopp preferring Simon Mignolet following a number of howlers from the summer signing against Bournemouth and West Ham United.

Karius was reinstalled to the starting XI at St Mary's, presumably with Klopp thinking that Mignolet will start against Manchester United in this Sunday's clash at Old Trafford.

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However, the ex-Borussia Dortmund boss may alter his plans after Karius put in a solid performance in between the sticks.

The former Mainz keeper conceded one goal - a Nathan Redmond striker on the 20-minute mark - but the damage could have been much worse for Liverpool.

Karius made a number of decent stops, two of which denied Redmond from netting a hat-trick in the first half.

Klopp recognised his player's positive display after the game, telling Sky Sports: “They had the biggest chances because we were not compact enough in situations and Loris Karius had to save our life, a deserved win for Southampton but it is only half time.”

Plenty of Liverpool fans have criticised the overall team performance on social media, but they have been full of praise for their goalkeeper.

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